Caring for someone whose mind is failing
BY CAITLIN ANDREWS
23/05/2008 11:06:00 AM
CARING for someone with Alzheimer’s is tough, but Muswellbrook’s Yvonne Wright is one of those special people who took on the role when her father was diagnosed with dementia two-and-a-half years ago.
For the past few years Ms Wright has had to witness the saddening degenerative process of Alzheimers disease as her father’s health and memory has gradually deteriorated.
As the disease has taken hold day by day week by week the small things in life have become a challenge.
“It started out in small ways when Dad wasn’t quite able to walk down the street and do his shopping and banking,” Ms Wright said.
In the last year, the disease has sped up and finally taken over the Muswellbrook man’s independence.
“To see my dad go downhill breaks my heart,” Ms Wright said.
With a phone call every day and visiting every second day for the past 12 months, Ms Wright said the biggest issue was ensuring her father was taking his medication consistently.
Ms Wright expressed the gratitude and respect she and her family have for the Muswellbrook Aged Care team, the Upper Hunter Dementia Advisory Service, Hunter Integrated Care and the staff at Murravale Hostel.
“They have all been wonderful, I can ring them at any time and discuss anything with them and they have provided support and information,” she said.
“I have the utmost respect for all of them, you have to be a very special person to work in aged care and with dementia because it can be very trying.
The Upper Hunter Dementia Advisory Service is located at Muswellbrook Community Health Centre in the Nurses Home building.
Daisy Dementia Advice and Information Service operates from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4.30pm.
A free service, Daisy provides information, advice, education and support to patients, families and carers in the Upper Hunter region.
For more information contact Celeste Bond or Susan Baumhammer on 6542 2707.
Abridged
SOURCE: MuswellBrookNews
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